NEWS RELEASE ISSUED BY THE OFFICE OF KANSAS ATTORNEY GENERAL DEREK SCHMIDT
Schmidt praises Legislature for strengthening Medicaid anti-fraud law
TOPEKA – (April 7, 2014) – Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt today praised the Legislature for unanimously approving legislation to strengthen the Medicaid Fraud Control Act.
Schmidt proposed the measure in January, and the Legislature sent a final version to the Governor on Saturday. Senate Bill 271 passed the Senate 40-0 and the House of Representatives 122-0.
The bill increases criminal penalties for defrauding the Medicaid program and also allows courts to sentence defendants to prison, not probation, if their fraud results in a Medicaid recipient being denied quality services to which he or she is entitled. The measure also strengthens the state’s ability to obtain civil fines against people who file false claims with the Medicaid program.
“Protecting taxpayers by vigorously prosecuting Medicaid fraud is a priority for our office,” Schmidt said. “These new legal tools will strengthen our ability to hold accountable those who steal from the taxpayers and put Medicaid recipients’ health at risk by failing to provide needed services.”
During his first three years in office, Schmidt's Medicaid Fraud and Abuse Division recovered a record $90.4 million through Medicaid fraud enforcement and returned that money to the state and federal treasuries. Schmidt’s office also has obtained 53 criminal convictions for Medicaid fraud or abuse over its first three years.
To report suspected Medicaid fraud, contact the Medicaid fraud hotline at (866) 551-6328.
# # #
The Salvation Army in Joplin no longer just serves lunch to the homeless and hungry. It’s also offering showers and laundry facilities.
More >>The Salvation Army in Joplin no longer just serves lunch to the homeless and hungry. It’s also offering showers and laundry facilities.
More >>Joplin Police search for a suspect with ten active warrants. Police spotted 41-year-old Cory D. Reynolds Monday afternoon (April 23) around 3:00 at his home near 9th and Chestnut. Authorities say he jumped into a vehicle and drove off. During the chase, Reynolds hit another vehicle at 23rd and Maiden Lane and drove away. Police chased him to Galena, Kansas where they lost sight of him. Reynolds is wanted for previous charges and has seven warrants out of Joplin, an assault warrant o...
More >>Joplin Police search for a suspect with ten active warrants. Police spotted 41-year-old Cory D. Reynolds Monday afternoon (April 23) around 3:00 at his home near 9th and Chestnut. Authorities say he jumped into a vehicle and drove off. During the chase, Reynolds hit another vehicle at 23rd and Maiden Lane and drove away. Police chased him to Galena, Kansas where they lost sight of him. Reynolds is wanted for previous charges and has seven warrants out of Joplin, an assault warrant o...
More >>"Shower the People" is a new program at the Salvation Army offering the homeless and poor a chance to shower and do laundry there for free. Shampoo, soap, towels and laundry detergent are all supplied.
More >>"Shower the People" is a new program at the Salvation Army offering the homeless and poor a chance to shower and do laundry there for free. Shampoo, soap, towels and laundry detergent are all supplied.
More >>As the city of Joplin drafts an odor ordinance, a Neosho based law firm tries to drum up support for a class action lawsuit.
More >>As the city of Joplin drafts an odor ordinance, a Neosho based law firm tries to drum up support for a class action lawsuit.
More >>April 23, 2018: A Fox affiliate in Tulsa, Fox 23, is reporting that one person is in custody related to the disappearance of Ashley Freeman and Lauria Bible. KOAM and FOX 14 will Facebook live stream a media conference that could bring new information about a 1999 cold case out of Welch, Oklahoma. Authorities plan to speak about the case today at 2:00 p.m. The case dealt with the murders of Danny and Kathy Freeman in December of 1999 and the disappearance of the couple's...
More >>April 23, 2018: A Fox affiliate in Tulsa, Fox 23, is reporting that one person is in custody related to the disappearance of Ashley Freeman and Lauria Bible. KOAM and FOX 14 will Facebook live stream a media conference that could bring new information about a 1999 cold case out of Welch, Oklahoma. Authorities plan to speak about the case today at 2:00 p.m. The case dealt with the murders of Danny and Kathy Freeman in December of 1999 and the disappearance of the couple's...
More >>